Frequently asked questions

Are flights included in the price?

Flights are not included in the price. This means that participants on your trip may be from any nationality and you can fly in and out of the country a few days before/after your Pioneer expedition if you wish to spend more time there. Please remember to let us know your flight details so we can meet you at the airport.

What do I need to pack?

Take as little as possible as there is often a luggage allowance for internal flights. For most trips, you will need a day sack for trekking and a larger rucksack or soft strong bag which can be stored as your main luggage. These should really be waterproof, but at the very least, you should take a waterproof bag liner (these can be brought from equipment shops). Please see your trip dossier for recommended packing for your trip.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Insurance is mandatory for everyone who takes part in a Pioneer expedition. You will need to ensure you are covered for all the activities in the itinerary – some insurance companies may be classify these as ‘extreme’ or ‘adventure’ sports. You are responsible for arranging your own insurance and should provide us with your details of insurance when booking.

Will I need vaccinations before my trip?

Please see your trip dossier for information about the vaccinations required for your destination. If you are unsure please consult your doctor.

How much deposit do I need to pay? When is payment due?

A deposit of £300 (or £400 for polar expeditions) per person is required with the booking form.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than 56 days (eight weeks) before the departure of your trip. We will send you an invoice for the remaining balance approximately 70 days (ten weeks) before departure.

If booking less than 56 days from departure date we require the full cost of the trip within 7 working days of our sending written confirmation and invoice.

Is the money I pay protected?

Yes. All money paid to us by you will be held in a trust account until the trip is complete. This means that your money is protected for the entire booking period and the duration of the trip. This is in compliance with the UK Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. Please see our terms and conditions for further information.

Do I need to apply for a visa for this trip?

Please see your trip dossier or check with us if you are unsure about visas.

Does my trip require a minimum number of people to run?

Yes. This varies between trips, but four to six participants is usually the minimum amount.

What happens if the trip is cancelled by Pioneer Expeditions?

In the unlikely event that we have to cancel a trip, we will offer you an alternative holiday or a full refund. Please see booking conditions for terms if you cancel your holiday with Pioneer.

Can you hold my place without a deposit while I think about booking?

We realise deciding on a destination can be a big decision so we will hold you a place for up to two weeks without obligation if you need a bit of time to think about it. After two weeks we will send you a reminder and you may then book your place and pay your depsosit.

Who else is going on my trip?

One of the best things about a Pioneer trip is the diversity of participants; our clients – and expedition leaders - are based all over the world and are aged between 18 and 65. However if you would like further details about who else will be on your trip then please contact us for a few more details.

How fit do I need to be?

To take part in our expeditions you don't need to be superfit - an average level of fitness will enable you to have a really good time. The great thing about having such small group sizes is we can adapt our itinerary to suit individuals - so the group may wish to split into smaller parties to trek according to their pace. If you have any questions regarding fitness then please let us know.

Are there any safety issues I should know about travelling to little visited destinations?

We monitor advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office about the destinations we visit. If the state of security for your destination changes then we’ll keep you informed. Because we only employ very experienced expedition leaders and local guides our trips are much safer than backpacking or travelling alone.

If you are concerned about your destination, visit the UK foreign office website: www.fco.gov.uk for up to date advice.

I would prefer not to share accommodation, do I have to?

We think that sharing with a fellow Pioneer can add to the experience of an expedition, but if you would prefer to have your own accommodation, single occupancy can often be arranged if you let us know when booking your trip. This will usually incur an extra charge.

Any other questions?

Just ask! You can email, use the contact form, or telephone us on +44 (0)845 0047 801.

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